Police eagerly await expert committee findings on destruction of historical building
Posted on July 19th, 2020
By Norman Palihawadana Courtesy The Island
The Kurunegala police were awaiting the report of the expert committee appointed to investigate allegations that an archaeological building in Kurunegala was bulldozed, to take necessary action, a senior police officer said.
On July 14, Kurunegala Urban Council demolished a building that is said to contain historical artifacts. The Government Information Department says part of the building was constructed in the 13th century.
“We are also investigating the matter and as soon as the report is out, we can take action,” the police officer said.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who appointed the committee, said its report will shed light into the
controversy. “The committee has been instructed to submit its report before July 23,” he said.
PM Rajapaksa said that the Opposition political parties were trying to take advantage of this incident. “When they were in power so many historical sites were destroyed, but no action was taken.” He said his government would protect all archaeological sites.
The committee comprises Director General of Archaeology, Prof. Senarath Dissanayake, Kurunegala District Secretary R. M. R. Ratnayake, archaeologist T. G Kulatunga, Director General of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Cultural and Religious Affairs archaeologist Prasad Ranasinghe and Central Cultural Fund Director (Development) architect Sumedha Mathota.